Trillion Peso March Attracts Massive Turnout, Raises Concerns Over VP Duterte’s Missing Support Base

Thousands marched on Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City on November 30, 2025, echoing EDSA’s spirit against corruption and environmental destruction.

Trillion Peso March Attracts Massive Turnout, Raises Concerns Over VP Duterte’s Missing Support Base

By Bing Jabadan and Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNATIONWEEK.Com | December 2, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – The Trillion Peso March Movement, a coalition of activist organizations, has held its second significant demonstration at the People Power Monument.

Coinciding with the 162nd birthday of national hero Andres Bonifacio, the event attracted hundreds of thousands of participants advocating for an end to political dynasties and greater accountability in government corruption.

However, the notable absence of Vice President Sara Duterte’s claimed 32 million supporters has raised questions about the movement’s ability to mobilize widespread public dissent.

The movement is centered on allegations of massive financial mismanagement involving billions of pesos, linked to inflated or nonexistent infrastructure projects.

This scandal implicates lawmakers, private contractors, and officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Demonstrators rallied from the EDSA Shrine to the People Power Monument, holding signs and chanting for transparency and justice.

“We urge the government to prioritize the certification of our anti-political dynasty bill as urgent,” said an Akbayan representative as he emphasized the connection between political dynasties and pervasive corruption.

“Corruption is intricately tied to the issue of dynasties in the Philippines,” he added.

Echoing this call, Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno insisted that “the government’s primary responsibility is to pass the anti-political dynasty bill.”

“Will we allow it to remain unaddressed? We will persist in demanding accountability until they fulfill their duties to the Filipino people.”

Catholic priests, who have become vocal advocates for the movement, highlighted the increasing support from dioceses across the nation.

“Our message is clear: intensify the pursuit of truth; imprison the corrupt; return the stolen funds; enact and enforce the anti-dynasty law; and most importantly, restore our dignity as Filipinos,” he proclaimed.

In addition to their demands for the abolition of political dynasties, protesters are advocating for the creation of an Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC), arguing that the current executive-formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) lacks the necessary independence and authority.

“Will the ICAIC bill suffer the same fate as the anti-dynasty bill, which has languished for decades?” questioned Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima, a co-author of the ICAIC bill.

“There is no justification for delaying the passage of these laws unless there are reservations or fears surrounding them. The truth cannot emerge if actions are hidden or approached with hesitation.”

While acknowledging “positive steps” in addressing alleged corruption, protesters asserted that their demonstrations will persist until justice is achieved.

Divergent Views on Military Support and Calls for Marcos’ Resignation

In a significant decision, organizers explicitly discouraged any calls for the military to withdraw its support from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.

The question of whether to advocate for Marcos’ resignation remains a divisive issue within the movement.

Vice President Sara Duterte

Attendance Numbers, Enigma of Duterte’s Support

Although organizers initially expected a turnout of around 100,000, similar to the first Trillion Peso March on September 21, independent estimates indicated attendance in the hundreds of thousands.

This discrepancy raises a critical question: Where are the millions who allegedly support Vice President Sara Duterte?

Duterte, who campaigned alongside Marcos Jr. in the 2022 elections, secured an overwhelming victory with approximately 32 million votes. The relatively modest turnout at the Trillion Peso March, despite widespread anger over corruption and political dynasties, suggests a disconnect between Duterte’s perceived popularity and her supporters’ willingness to mobilize against the current administration.

The absence of a notable pro-Duterte presence during the march opens up several possibilities: apathy among her base, a lack of organized mobilization efforts, or perhaps a hesitance to publicly criticize the Marcos-Duterte alliance.

Regardless of the reasons, the stark contrast between her electoral success and the protest turnout highlights the complexities of Philippine politics and the challenges faced by movements striving to convert popular support into concrete action.

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) deployed around 2,000 officers to oversee the event, with 300 marshals from the Trillion Peso March Movement assisting with security.

The program, which concluded at 6 p.m., featured performances by local bands and appearances from various celebrities, including 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray, who expressed their support.

The Trillion Peso March Movement has pledged to continue its efforts to hold accountable those responsible for corruption.

However, whether it can effectively bridge the gap between its message and the broader public remains uncertain.